Flashcards based on "Random idiom flashcards set to learn" set

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1 of 10


field goal

Categories: noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms
1 of 10
[field goal]  {n.}
1. A score in football made by kicking the ball over the bar between the goal posts.
The Giants were not able to make a touchdown but they kicked two field goals.
Compare: [EXTRA POINT].
2. A score in basketball made by a successful shot through the basket not made on a free throw.
A field goal counts two points.
Compare: [FOUL SHOT], [FREE THROW].
Categories: noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms
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go to bed with the chickens

Categories: informal verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 10
[go to bed with the chickens]  {v. phr.},  {informal}
To go to bed early at night.
On the farm John worked hard and went to bed with the chickens.
Mr. Barnes goes to bed with the chickens because he has to get up at 5 A.M.
Categories: informal verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 10


green thumb

Categories: informal noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 10
[green thumb]  {n.},  {informal}
A talent for gardening; ability to make things grow. — Considered trite by many.
Mr. Wilson's neighbors say his flowers grow because he has a green thumb.
Categories: informal noun
A Dictionary of American Idioms
4 of 10


at random

Categories: adverb clothes
A Dictionary of American Idioms
4 of 10
[at random]  {adv. phr.}
With no order, plan, or purpose; in a mixed-up, or thoughtless way.
He opened the letters at random.
His clothes were scattered about the room at random.
Categories: adverb clothes
A Dictionary of American Idioms
5 of 10


on occasion

Categories: adverb time
A Dictionary of American Idioms
5 of 10
[on occasion]  {adv. phr.}
Sometimes; occasionally.
We go to New York on occasion.
On occasion we feel like celebrating and have a party.
Compare: [ONCE IN A WHILE], [FROM TIME TO TIME].
Categories: adverb time
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 10


pigheaded

Categories: adjective
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 10
[pigheaded]  {adj.}
Stubborn; unwilling to compromise.
"Stop being so pigheaded!" she cried. "I, too, can be right sometimes!"
Categories: adjective
A Dictionary of American Idioms
7 of 10


That will do!

Categories: bother informal
A Dictionary of American Idioms
7 of 10
[That will do!]
Informal expression of impatience meaning "stop", "no more".
"That will do, Tommy," his mother cried. "I've had just about enough of your drumming on the table."
Categories: bother informal
A Dictionary of American Idioms
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go to it!

Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
8 of 10
[go to it!]  {v. phr.}
An expression of encouragement meaning go ahead; proceed.
"Go to it!" my father cried enthusiastically, when I told him I had decided to become a doctor.
Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
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go ahead

Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
9 of 10
[go ahead]  {v.}
To begin to do something; not wait.
The teacher told the students not to write on the paper yet, but John went ahead and wrote his name.
"May I ask you a question?" "Go ahead."
Compare: [GO ON] (1).
Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
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ahead of the game

A Dictionary of American Idioms
10 of 10
[ahead of the game]  {adv. or adj. phr.},  {informal}
1. In a position of advantage; winning (as in a game or contest); ahead (as by making money or profit); making it easier to win or succeed.
The time you spend studying when you are in school will put you ahead of the game in college.
After Tom sold his papers, he was $5 ahead of the game.
2. Early; too soon; beforehand.
When Ralph came to school an hour early, the janitor said, "You're ahead of the game."
John studies his lessons only one day early; if he gets too far ahead of the game, he forgets what he read.
A Dictionary of American Idioms